Circular Design Challenge organized by R|Elantm in association with the UN in India takes centre stage at COP28 in Dubai
BILKULONLINE
Mumbai, Dec 20: India’s biggest sustainability award – The Circular Design Challenge (CDC) presented by R|ElanTM, – a leading advocate for sustainable practice from Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), in association with the United Nations in India, made a significant impact at COP28 in Dubai. CDC, aligned with the UN’s mission for sustainable development, focuses on promoting circular design principles to address environmental concerns and foster innovation.
COP – Conference of the Parties, is the biggest annual conference on climate crisis, held by the United Nations. This year, the conference convened over 70,000 participants, including heads of state, government officials, industry leaders, academics, and representatives from across the world at Expo City Dubai between 30th November to 12th December 2023. The COP28 Presidency followed a two-week thematic program, geared towards real world solutions to close the emissions gaps in 2030 (UN Sustainable Development Goals) and build on the challenges and opportunities identified in a Global Stocktake of progress on climate action.
A thought-provoking panel discussion titled ‘Fabrics of the Future’ took place at the Centre for Planet, Expo City Hall, which was open to delegates and the public. Ritesh Sharma, Brand and Retail Head for R|Elan™ Fabric 2.0, the next-generation fabric range made from specially engineered fibres and filaments from the product range of Reliance Industries Ltd, a visionary in sustainable fashion, joined the panel as an esteemed expert, offering insights into the role of circular design in shaping the future of fabrics. The panellists explored topics like nature-based solutions, fabrics of the future, putting people first and achieving circularity at scale and more.
The other participants included Ruchika Sachdeva, Creative Director and founder of BODICE; Manuel Arnaut, Editor in Chief, Vogue Arabia, Vogue Man Arabia, and Vogue Living Arabia; Amanda Navai, founder of the first local Dubai brand to be featured in Bloomingdales Dubai. The session was moderated by Rumana Nazim, founder of sustainable concept store, The Edit Dubai. The panel looked at how the industry can strive for sustainable and equitable practices across the entire fashion ecosystem.
Participating at the panel discussion Ritesh Sharma, Brand and Retail Head for R|Elan™ Fabric 2.0 said, “Sustainability does not start at the fabric stage, but it starts at the fibre stage, and we are trying to make an impact at that end of the textile value chain. Our technology recycles post-consumer PET Bottles that is socially compliant and provides end to end traceability. With our partnerships with large global brands, we are aiming to support their sustainability goals by providing fabrics that are made for the future.”
Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India commented, “The CDC is here at COP28 responding to the call for urgency by helping reduce the fashion industry’s climate impact. From sourcing sustainable materials to building in circularity, the CDC has encouraged
